Hello everyone...

I have been looking at a few used TT's lately.. and found several nice 2001 225 quattros in my area.

Then as I got seriously interested in purchasing I began checking reliability reports etc on the model.

What I read has spooked me a bit towards the 01 and, well, any older model TT.

From what I read there are a lot of problems with the electrical system, water pump, A/C, window motors, timing belt and other stuff.
Many of the reports counted staggering numbers of dealer visits per year.

I thought I would ask around and see what others think about the reliability of these older TTs.

Thanks for your time.

~Johnny

 

60K-122K- 1 issue, fuel pump sender failed-$100...

 

Well I recently purchased a 2000 TT. I had no history of it. It had two owners before me. It runs perfectly fine. Sounds great. Everything is great except for a few dings here and there which is expected in a 9 year old car.

Plus if you need a new timing belt you can get it fixed for free as I recall. Dealership will know about that.

Just make sure it has a decent history unlike myself. Ha. I'd say go for it cause I love my car, and there is so much you can do to it. The 1.8 is teh sex. Mine may be FWD, but it'll do.

 

If you really want one go for it. I've owned mine 3-4 years & never had a serious problem that prevented me from driving it. All euro car have some electrical problems due to the excessive sensors/car options (heated seats etc). Water pump, yes it came in the early years with a plastic propeller updated version are full metal. Timing belt, it really depends on the old & new driver(s). The replacement was recommended at 105k but notice they didn't last they long so lowered it to 60k. I replaced mine at 45k because I didn't know about the previous owner & I rip on my car. A/C not really that's mostly little stuff & owner frying the core. If you buy one I would suggest you find a good independent import mechanic & not go to the dealer unless it is free warranty work. You'll save money.

If you wanna look at staggering numbers of dealer visits per year you should look at the 5-series BMW from like 02 & on. I can't remember the vast GM cars that also "live at the dealer." Not to say that Audi's never have problems but its also piece of metal.

 

Electrical issues: yes; however, most are often not fixed. Such as a gas gauge that is empty at the 1/2 mark.

Water pump: yes, the original had plastic blades. When you change your timing belt at 60k, this problem is fixed.

Windows are a common issue, usually fixed easily and free.

Everyone says the tt is just as reliable as any other car, but IMO it is not. Everyone says, it runs fine no problems. Except, they didn't say their traction control light is on, or airbag, or their maintance is way the eff past due, ect. I found my tt is be very reliable, as in never left me stranded, but the little problems are common and expensive to repair. Maintance is also expensive. Parts are expensive. If you can work on cars yourself, the tt well be fine. If you can't, I wouldn't even concider it.

 

Feel free to consider buying my car. Other than the cluster issues of cooland, maybe gas gauge (but miles to empty more useful anyhow), I think every single gremlin and maintenance PIA I have had fixed, ie ABS sensor, timing belt, plugs, haldex, fluids, filters. Whatever you decide to do, carefully weigh what maintenance has been done, and can be documented. If you save a few bucks initially, then turn around and have to do all the required maintenance soon, like oil changes, haldex service, brakes, tranny flush, sensors, etc, it adds up fast if its on your dime.

 

Its called maintenance. You keep up to date and it will treat you good.

 

As long as you know an audi or any higher end car IS NOT a civic or escort, it'll be fine for you. High end cars and econo-boxes are completely different from a service aspect (as well as other aspects).

Most people think, hey this land rover is only $5,000 now, it was $60k new... what a great deal, I can afford it. Then it breaks. The parts, maintance, and repairs are still treated as a $60k car. Thus, you need to beable to do some machnical work yourself.

 

Not exactly....

 

Depends on the situation, but they did do a mass recall and if you are eligible you can get one...I think.